Relinquish(64)

“Landon!” I open my eyes and see a pale Roman standing in front of me. He looks like he’s seen a ghost, staring at Landon with wide eyes. I grimace, not sure why Roman is looking at Landon in such a way.

“A word.” Romans lifts a brow before walking off.

The song suddenly ends, and Landon lets go of me. My body weeps for his warmth and touch. I turn and find Landon looking out at the crowd, his jaw ticking.

“Go to your room, Charlie,” he demands, his tone suddenly harsh.

“What?” I ask, shocked. “You can’t just send me to my room like some child!” I yell, not caring who hears me. Damn it, I did it again. I let myself become consumed in his charm. I’m so weak.

Landon turns, leaning down to where our faces are mere inches from each other.

“I can, and I will. Now go to your room,” he whispers seriously, his breath hot against my face.

“Fuck you,” I grit, my jaw clenched with anger, my chest lifting and rising from my harsh breathing.

“Do as you’re told, Charlie, or I will personally escort you to your room and lock you in there myself,” he threatens, his brows narrowed. I stare off into the ballroom and find Jayden with Roman.

“I will make it to where you don’t see her for a while if you don’t go peacefully,” he continues.

I close my eyes and sigh. This feeling in my chest, is it admiration or hate toward Landon? Either way, it’s painful.

“Fine,” I whisper.

I head toward a laughing Jayden and Roman. I smile at Roman and pull Jayden by her elbow toward me.

“Hey, I’m going to go to bed. I’m not feeling well,” I tell her, lying through my teeth. But if I tell her the truth, she’ll cause a scene and Landon may not let me see her again. As much as I hate this, I’m in Landon’s house, and he has the cards.

“You sick?” Jayden questions, looking me over.

“The food’s just not settling well. I’m going to go to bed.” My eyes drift to Roman, nervously brushing his hair back with his hands and adjusting his shirt. I cock a brow and grab Jayden by her elbow, pulling her into our own little circle.

“What are you doing with him?” I whisper. She looks over her shoulder and grins wildly before looking back at me with bright eyes.

“He’s perfect. Laid-back, sloppy, and sexy to boot. Plus, he really seems to be into me.”

“He’s Landon’s brother,” I inform her, letting her know the sin he’s capable of.

She smiles even wider, her cheeks flushing against her tan skin. “That must be where the confidence comes from. Blackwell.”

I shake my head. My friend is gone. She’s been love-struck. I glower toward Roman, telling him everything I can’t say out loud with my stare. A ‘you hurt her and I’ll kill you’ kind of stare.

“We’ll talk about this later.” I kiss her cheek and hug her hard before pulling away and making my way toward my prison.





NINETEEN


LANDON


My jaw is clenched so tightly, I’m nearly crushing my teeth. Seeing Hudson all over her, seeing her kiss him, it f*cking unleashed a surge of jealousy. Realizing my choices, I decide I can’t do this anymore. My mother would tell me to go for Charlie if she were still here. I can still hold my promise to her. I can have the estate and Charlie, make her the madam of the estate. My father wrote the rules of not being with our escorts, but I’m in charge now.

I look over, watching Charlie explain why she’s leaving to Jayden. I hated being a prick to her and sending her to her room, but I can’t control myself around her. I feel accusing eyes stare at me from the side. Looking over, I see my father glare at me, an eyebrow arched and his arms crossed. He pats a client’s shoulder and heads my way.

“Fuck,” I whisper. I know he witnessed me sending Hudson on his way and nearly dry-f*cking Charlie on the dance floor.

“Landon,” my father greets. He jerks his chin toward the patio, silently telling me to follow. I blow out a breath of annoyance and do as requested. Stepping outside, I hear the bugs of the night singing, and the heat instantly makes me sweat. “Why did Hudson leave, and where is Charlie going?” he questions, digging a hand in his pocket.

I swallow hard, not sure if I should tell him the truth.

“I don’t like the way you look at that girl. You know the rules. No sleeping with the girls. She needs to go,” he states sternly.

My head whips in his direction. “That is for me to decide,” I inform him. “And why aren’t we allowed to be with the girls again? Oh, that’s right—”

“This is my estate. I worked hard for it, and I will not watch it burn to the ground over some whore!” he yells, blood vessels protruding on his forehead. I grind my teeth, infuriated that he called Charlie a whore.

“You worked hard for it? What exactly did you do?” I roar back, stepping up to him. He opens his mouth to speak but shuts it quickly.

“You were just given the throne. Your father didn’t even test if you were worthy. Daddy’s little boy,” I sneer.

“Have you been drinking, Landon?” He tries to change the subject.

“But me, what did I do? What did I have to do to show I was worthy?” My hands are clenched with anger.